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Notebook accessories
By Brian Nadel and John Morris
(August 13, 2003)
(August 13, 2003)
Which notebook accessories are our editors raving about? Our picks for the best include a Wi-Fi network finder, a notebook Webcam, an external hard drive, a multifaceted laser pointer, and the ultimate GPS gadget for guys who hate to ask for directions. They're everything you need to feel at home on the road.
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1. CMS Products' ABSplus external hard drive Your whole life is on that laptop, so you back it up religiously, right? Sure you do. CMS Products' ABSplus turns this tedious chore into a plug-and-play operation. Available in capacities from 20GB to 80GB, the seven-ounce ABSplus is an actual external hard drive with automated backup software. To create an instant backup, just plug it in; there are versions for PC Card, USB 2.0, and FireWire. The software saves everything in standard formats so that you can grab a single file and restore your entire disk image. |
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2. Creative WebCam Notebook Creative Labs already has a formidable lineup of desktop Webcams. Now, the company has gone mobile, with the stylish WebCam Notebook. Designed for business travelers who want to keep in touch with family, friends, and business contacts while they're on the road, the $49.99 VGA camera clips onto your notebook display and connects to a USB 1.1 port. Creative includes a soft travel case and software for a variety of tasks, such as videoconferencing, sending video e-mail, and applying camera security. |
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3. DeLorme Earthmate GPS receiver The ultimate accessory for guys who hate to ask for directions, DeLorme's Earthmate is a tiny GPS receiver that connects to any USB port and works in tandem with Street Atlas USA 2003 or other DeLorme software to show your location in real time and provide turn-by-turn directions. DeLorme says its receiver uses a special chipset that starts up faster, draws less power from your notebook, and locks onto weak signals better. The $129.95 receiver (with Street Atlas USA 2003) includes a suction cup for mounting on windows and a six-foot cable (a Bluetooth PowerPack and cables for popular PDAs should be out soon). |
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4. Gigabyte G-Max GM-FP pointer Why settle for an ordinary pointer when you can get one that does a whole lot more? Gigabyte Technology's G-Max GM-FP consists of a wireless remote control for PowerPoint presentations and a USB infrared receiver. But the $89 device also serves as wireless mouse, a 64MB USB flash memory drive, and a laser pointer. Even better, you can use it to wirelessly control Windows Media Player. Now, if they would just add an MP3 player, like the one in Creative Labs' MuVo. |
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5. HP Deskjet 450cbi No man is an island, but do you really want to rely on business centers that keep banking hours when you need a hard copy for your big presentation? Take along a portable printer instead. The HP Deskjet 450cbi is a compact inkjet printer that weighs 4.5 pounds, and the integrated Bluetooth and infrared printing support eliminate the need to carry cables. The print quality and the speed can't match that of a desk-bound inkjet printer, let alone a personal laser printer, but for printing on the go, the 450cbi fits the bill.  Read the review
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6. Kensington WiFi Finder It used to be that you could tell whether a location was hot by the line outside the velvet rope. But nowadays hot has taken on a different meaning, with thousands of wireless networking hot spots sprouting up in hotels, airports, and cafes. The credit card-size Kensington WiFi Finder is a quick, easy, and inexpensive ($39.95) way to find out whether there's a hot spot nearby, without even pulling out your notebook. According to Kensington, you just press the button, and the signal-strength indicator will tell you whether there is an 802.11b or 802.11g network within 200 feet. |
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7. Lexar Media JumpDrive 2.0 Pro The flagship of Lexar Media's JumpDrive line of portable flash drives, the JumpDrive 2.0 Pro, supports USB 2.0 and is available in 256MB ($109.99), 512MB ($229.99), and a whopping 1GB ($459.99). The drive is small enough to double as a keychain and works with both PCs and Macs. Lexar Media also offers a USB 1.1-only version, as well as drives with integrated card readers (JumpDrive Trio) and password protection (JumpDrive Secure). |
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8. Mobility Electronics iGo Juice 70 power adapter Your ultraportable may weigh less than four pounds, but throw in a PDA, a cell phone, and three sets of power adapters, and suddenly your bag feels like a ton of bricks. The iGo Juice 70 is an all-in-one AC adapter that cuts the weight and the clutter. It weighs only eight ounces but is able to pump out up to 70 watts of power without working up a sweat. The secret to its success is Juice's dozen adapter tips, which allow it to power up a variety notebooks, handhelds, and cell phones. You'll still need optional $20 cables for both your handheld and phone, bringing the real price to $160, but the iGo Juice 70 is nevertheless a bargain, because it also works in cars and first-class cabins. |
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9. SanDisk ImageMate 6 in 1 card reader/writer Are you sick of shuffling cards? There's a better way to transfer files from your PC and memory cards found in digital cameras, MP3 players, and PDAs: a card reader. SanDisk's ImageMate 6 in 1 card reader/writer handles all major types of storage cards, including CompactFlash Types I and II, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, and Secure Digital/MMC. The three-ounce reader connects to a USB 2.0 port (backward compatible) for fast file transfers. Lexar Media offers a similar product, the USB 2.0 Multi-Card Reader, and each sells for $39.99. |
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10. Targus Ultra Mini Optical Mouse with retractable cord The silver-and-black Targus Ultra Mini Optical Mouse is one of only a handful of mice on the market with a handy retractable USB cord. The pocket-size mouse weighs only 1.5 ounces; has no moving parts, thanks to its optical sensor; and includes left and right mouse buttons and a scroll wheel. The Ultra Mini Optical Mouse works with both Windows and Mac OS--no drivers needed--and comes with a travel case. |
